the honor of serving as master’s-mate at the defeat of the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent, Feb. 14, 1797[1]. On the ensuing day he was made a Lieutenant, and appointed to the Salvador del Mundo of 110 guns, in which ship he continued until paid off at Plymouth, in the month of Dec. following. After remaining on half pay for about two months, Lieutenant Withers received an appointment to the Terrible 74, then commanded by Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart.; under whose flag we also find him serving during the memorable expedition against the French in Egypt. An important service performed by Lieutenant Withers at that period was thus handsomely acknowledged by Captain (now Sir Alexander) Cochrane, in a letter addressed to the above officer:
“Sir,– I had almost given over every expectation of being able to conduct the ships you did me the honor to put under my command, into the harbour of Alexandria, when a signal was made from the Port Mahon that she could lead into port. I called Captain Buchanan on board, who informed me that Lieutenant Withers, of the Kent, had surveyed the western Channel so completely as to conceive himself adequate to conduct the squadron into port. Well knowing how anxious the General was for the arrival of the ships, as the left flank of the army could not be covered from the fire of the enemy’s ships, upon their near approach to Alexandria, unless by a naval force, I did not therefore hesitate one moment to enter the port, which enabled the army to move on at day-light next morning.
“I have in justice to Lieutenant Withers to beg that you will lay his services before the commander-in-chief, as to him it is entirely owing that the army moved in the morning, aad gained a situation from whence they can begin their approaches against Alexandria.
“I have also to beg you will be pleased to signify to his lordship, how perfectly pleased I am with the behaviour of the three Turkish men of war, who conducted themselves in a most judicious manner; the shells from the bomb were thrown with much precision; and the commanders of the different British ships were animated with that proper zeal for his Majesty’s service which does them much honor. I am, &c.
The British detachment under Captain Cochrane’s orders consisted of the following sloops:– Cynthia, Captain John Dick; Bonne Citoyenne, Captain Robert Jackson; Victorieuse. Captain John Richards; and Port Mahon, Captain
